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Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances
Published on: July 5, 2011
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Delayed relief of hemifacial spasm after microvascular decompression
1From the Department of Neurosurgery, Xin Hua Hospital (The Cranial Nerve Disease Center of Shanghai), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|February 11, 2015
Summary
Microvascular decompression (MVD) effectively treats hemifacial spasm (HFS), though relief may be delayed for some patients. This review found a 25.4% delayed relief rate, highlighting the importance of thorough facial nerve decompression.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary facial muscle contractions.
- Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a primary surgical treatment for HFS, aiming to alleviate facial nerve compression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and determine the delayed relief rate of microvascular decompression (MVD) in patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS).
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of English-language articles published between June 1, 1994, and June 1, 2014, indexed in PubMed.
- Keywords used included 'delayed relief,' 'hemifacial spasm,' and 'microvascular decompression.'
- Twelve articles comprising 2727 HFS patients were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The mean postoperative success rate for MVD was 85.1%, with an immediate success rate of 71.8%.
- A significant mean delayed relief rate of 25.4% was observed.
- Symptom recurrence requiring repeat MVD occurred in approximately 13.1% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Microvascular decompression is a highly effective treatment for hemifacial spasm.
- Delayed relief is a notable outcome in a substantial proportion of patients, suggesting potential for improvement with more comprehensive surgical decompression.
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